Franklin man arraigned on meth charges

FRANKLIN - A local man was arraigned in Wrentham District Court Wednesday on several drug charges - including one that he made methamphetamine - resulting from a March hazmat response to his house.

Paul Therieau, 52, of 84 Stewart St., pleaded not guilty to manufacture of a class B substance, possession of a class B substance with intent to distribute, possession with intent to manufacture a class B substance, possession of a class B substance and four counts of attempting to commit a crime.

There was much discussion over Therieau's conditions of release, as prosecutors wished to prohibit him from possessing any chemical that could be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. When it was pointed out that common household chemicals like alcohol fell under that category, the defense and prosecution were given until May 4 to compile a list. In the meantime, Therieau remains free on personal recognizance.

According to an affidavit by Franklin Police Detective Joseph MacLean, police were contacted by the fire department on March 15 with concerns about a medical call.

Fire officials told police that they had responded to the house at 84 Stewart St. to find Therieau unconscious in his bedroom. While assisting him, emergency personnel noted many bottles of chemicals in the room, as well as beakers and chemistry equipment.

Detective Michael Kenney wrote in an affidavit that he responded to the house and saw a very large amount of chemical containers, powders, cans of paint thinner and toluene. He said there was no safety equipment - such as fire extinguishers or ventilation hoods - in the room.

Kenny said he spoke to Therieau's mother, who said Therieau had an interest in chemistry and wished to go to college to study the subject. She said she did not believe Therieau was using the chemicals to build bombs or make drugs.

Police established a safety zone around the house, and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit responded to the scene.

Kenney said that during the course of the afternoon, a Drug Enforcement Agency officer told him that it appeared Therieau was manufacturing methamphetamine in three ways, and it was possible he was making Fentanyl or PCP as well.

According to Kenney, the DEA removed several materials from the house, including computer-printed recipes for methamphetamine, GHB and PCP.

Detective Richard Grover wrote that he met with Therieau at Milford Regional Medical Center that day. Therieau reportedly said he was conducting chemistry, and had bought items from eBay for that purpose.

During a later meeting, Therieau allegedly said he would flush the results from his experiments down the toilet. MacLean said the Board of Health was notified about possible contamination.

Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-634-7546 or mgleason@wickedlocal.com. For news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MGleason_MDN.